Beta-Alanine

Beta-Alanine is a naturally occurring beta amino acid, which is an amino acid in which the amino group is at the beta-position from the carboxylate group. The IUPAC name for beta-alanine is 3-aminopropanoic acid. Unlike its counterpart alpha-alanine, beta-alanine has no stereocenter.

Structure

Beta-Alanine is a beta amino acid, which means that the amino group is attached to the beta carbon atom, i.e., the second carbon atom in the molecule when counting from the carboxylate group. This distinguishes it from alpha-amino acids, where the amino group is attached to the alpha carbon atom, i.e., the first carbon atom in the molecule when counting from the carboxylate group.

Biological role

Beta-Alanine is used in the biosynthesis of Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) and Coenzyme A. When beta-alanine is combined with the amino acid Histidine, it forms the dipeptide Carnosine, which acts as an antioxidant and helps to prevent damage to muscle cells during high-intensity exercise.

Dietary sources

Beta-Alanine is found in foods such as meat and fish. It can also be synthesized in the liver from the catabolism of Pyrimidine.

Supplements

Beta-Alanine is often used as a supplement by athletes and bodybuilders to improve performance. It is thought to enhance muscular endurance and improve exercise capacity, allowing for longer and more intense workouts.

Side effects

High doses of Beta-Alanine can cause a harmless side effect known as paresthesia, a sensation of tingling or numbness, usually in the face, neck, or back of the hands.

See also

• Amino acid
• Carnosine
• Pantothenic Acid
• Coenzyme A

References

Beta-Alanine Resources
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